4 min readNew DelhiMar 21, 2026 04:00 AM IST
First published on: Mar 21, 2026 at 04:00 AM IST
Another Indian national was killed in an Iranian attack on Riyadh Wednesday — the sixth Indian to be killed in the ongoing conflict in West Asia so far.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh Friday confirmed the death, but didn’t share other details. “The Embassy of India expresses its deepest condolences on the tragic demise of an Indian national in Riyadh due to recent events on March 18th. The Embassy is in touch with the family and local authorities. We remain committed to extending all possible assistance in this matter,” it said in a post on X.
Sources said that as per available information, the Indian national died following a missile attack on Riyadh on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain Friday. “Had a fruitful discussion with the King of Bahrain… Conveyed warm greetings on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr to him and the people of Bahrain. We discussed the current situation in the West Asian region. Condemned attacks on the energy and civilian infrastructure in the region, underscoring their adverse impact on global food, fuel and fertiliser security,” Modi said in a post on X.
“Reiterated the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and keeping shipping lines open and secure. Thanked His Majesty for his continued support for the well-being of the Indian community in Bahrain,” he said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also spoke to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Friday. “Very pleased to speak with my Australian counterpart @SenatorWong. Shared our assessments of the ongoing West Asia conflict. Also discussed Indo-Pacific issues,” he said in a post on X.
On March 13, two Indian nationals were killed and 10 others injured in a drone strike in Oman’s Sohar city. Earlier, three Indian sailors were killed in attacks on merchant vessels.
“In total, six Indian nationals have lost their lives and one remains missing in recent incidents. Mortal remains of two Indian nationals have already been repatriated to India,” officials said.
Officials said the Indian Missions in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq and the UAE are in contact with the local authorities for the missing individual and for repatriation of the remaining mortal remains.
They also said that 15 Indian crew members of MT Safesea Vishnu who were rescued have left Iraq and are expected to return to India via Saudi Arabia. Also, 24 rescued Indian seafarers, including 16 from MV MKD Vyom and eight from MT Skylight, have already returned to India from Oman.
Giving an update on the government’s actions in West Asia and the Gulf region, officials said the Indian Embassy in Iran has facilitated the movement of 913 Indian nationals from Iran to neighbouring countries, including 793 to Armenia and 120 to Azerbaijan. All 284 Indian pilgrims from Iran have returned to India safely, officials said.
Since February 28, officials said that around 3 lakh people have returned from the region to India, with overall flight operations showing steady improvement. There are about 1 crore Indian nationals in the Gulf and West Asian region.
Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry said another drone was shot down as it attempted to approach Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter. 
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